Talk About Video With Video.

When discussing future video projects, Describing ideas can be challenging without tangible video footage for reference. Explaining a concept is easier when there’s a visual aid or something concrete to refer to. I find it highly beneficial to provide examples of specific videos talking about making new videos. So in this video Playbook I will often reference these Day in the Life of Cox sales reps that we shot in Arizona. Hopefully, you can pull ideas and inspiration from these examples.

 Set Goals:

It’s always good to first set goals around your videos, While you’re going through the process you can reference the goals and make sure that every part of the video-creating process aligns with those main goals that you set at the beginning of the project. Below are the specific goals for the sales reps Day in The Life Videos.

The Core 4

1. Find Who Will Be On Camera:

Everyone’s got a unique story to share; it’s all about recognizing that story and delving deeper into its narrative. Select a subject whose daily life and experiences are captivating, relatable, or distinctive in some manner. It could be someone with an unconventional profession, an intriguing pastime, or a tale worth spreading.

To assess potential candidates, the best approach is to arrange a 10-15 minute discovery call. In all our previous “day in the life” videos, we’ve consistently started with a call to kickstart the conversation and learn more about the person who’ll be in the spotlight.

Your project might require different questions, but I’m confident they’ll share similarities in some respects:

• Can they provide a brief overview of their daily schedule and any noteworthy activities or routines?
• Are there any privacy concerns or boundaries we should respect while filming at their home or workplace?
• Are there any props, tools, or equipment they use regularly in their daily activities that we should capture on camera?
• Are there any family members, friends, or colleagues who play a significant role in their daily life and should also be included in the video?

These questions can help you get a comprehensive understanding of your subject’s daily life and create a better plan of action.

2. Planning:

I would plan to spend a whole day capturing video. You could get away with a half-day but it’s called “a day in the life” after all! After chatting with the folks who’ll be on camera, we’ll come up with a loose schedule for the day to make sure we catch all the cool stuff. After speaking with whoever is going to be on camera create a rough outline of the day’s schedule to ensure you capture key moments.

For Kristen’s DITL video, we spent the whole day with her and her family. Below is a breakdown for planning the day out.

3. What to High Light:

While capturing the overall flow of the day, don’t forget to focus on the small details that make the subject’s routine unique. These could be personal habits, quirky rituals, or special moments that give the audience insight into the subject’s life.

In the “Day in the Life” video featuring Stephen Lent, we had an unexpected surprise during the shoot when he revealed his awesome VW Van. When he mentioned his family rides, we immediately saw the potential for fantastic footage, capturing the joy and connection that resonates with viewers. It took about 20-30 minutes to film that entire scene.

4. Authenticity:

Authenticity is a key element of Day in the Life videos. Viewers appreciate seeing genuine, unfiltered moments, which can include both successes and challenges. This authenticity can help content creators build trust with their audience.

Businesses can use day-in-the-life videos to showcase the human side of their brand. By allowing customers to see the daily operations, work culture, and personalities behind the company, businesses can build trust and authenticity, which can be appealing to consumers who appreciate transparency.

Remember, the goal is to create a video that tells a story and allows viewers to connect with the subject on a personal level. By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to shooting an engaging and memorable “Day in the Life” video.

How To Shoot A DNTL Video:

Now that you’ve got the knack for crafting your plan, and nailing down your camera talent, let’s dive into the actual production of bringing your “Day in the Life” video to life!

Basic Formula – If you follow this Basic approach you will have all the footage you need to create a 2-4 min day in the life video. This gives us 1 interview and around 30-40 broll shots to use in the edit! This amount of footage is great!

1. Interview (15-30mins long)
2. 3-4 Establishing shots
3. 5-6 Different Scenes with the main person
4. 5-6 Different shots per scene

Scene:

• A scene is a larger narrative segment in a video, depicting a sequence of action shots in a specific setting. Example below.

Shots:

• Shots are individual frames  (10-15sec long clips) within a scene that capture specific perspectives, actions, and details, enhancing storytelling.

One Example of a Scene is from Sofala’s DNTL Video and would be broken down like this.

• Scene – Sofala At Work

1. 1. Shot – Her walking into work
   2. Shot – Team huddle
   3. Shot – Detail shot of her name badge
   4. Shot – typing on the computer
   5. Shot – Her working with Co-workers

When it comes to the nitty-gritty of shooting, I’ve rounded up some handy Two-Minute Tips videos that will help you on your path to creating DITL videos. These quick and insightful gems ensure that you’re armed with the creative ammunition you need to capture your vision flawlessly.

Interview Questions Ideas 

Here’s a list of questions to get the ball rolling while you start crafting your questions. Remember to get great-sounding interviews the best approach is to frame it more like a conversation and have it flow more like you are just two people talking.  No one wants to get grilled on a bunch of questions like an integration.

Before any interview it is always great to ask this –

• Can you Say and spell your name and give us your title ( this is for our editors to know who is on camera and it also lets us create the lover thrids with the right spelling of their names) also acts as a good sound check question.

1. Introduction:
   • Can you introduce yourself and describe your role within the company?
   • What does a typical day in your role at the company look like?
2. Company Culture:
   • How would you describe the company culture here?
   • Can you share examples of how the company’s culture is demonstrated in daily activities?
3. Unique Processes:
   • What are some processes or practices that make our business stand out in the industry?
   • How do these unique processes contribute to the success of the company?
4. Team Collaboration:
   • How does your role or department collaborate with others within the company?
   • Can you share an example of a successful cross-team collaboration that had a significant impact?
5. Employee Engagement:
   • How does the company foster employee engagement and job satisfaction?
   • What initiatives or activities contribute to a positive workplace environment?
6. Customer Relationships:
   • How does the company prioritize building and maintaining strong customer relationships?
   • Can you share a story that illustrates the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction?
7. Company Values in Action:
   • What values or principles are fundamental to the company’s mission?
   • Could you provide an example of how these values are integrated into daily decision-making and actions?
8. Future Growth and Vision:
   • Where do you see yourself and the company heading in the future?
   • How does the daily work of your department contribute to achieving the company’s long-term goals?

These questions will help capture the essence of a business, its values, and its daily operations, making for a compelling “Day in the Life” video that can showcase the company’s strengths and unique attributes. Ensure that the interviewees emphasize how their work aligns with the company’s broader mission and vision.

Lastly, You Got this!

The good news is that you have the entire VidLoft editing team in your corner. Just be sure to capture plenty of clips, and we’ll make something awesome for you.

As always, if you have any questions, or just want a sounding board for ideas or inspiration, just reach out to the VidLoft team on your Slack channel. We love Day in the Life videos, and we’re always happy to share ideas.